Royal Commission on the Finances of Western Australia, as Affected by Federation
Royal Commission on the finances of Western Australia, as affected by Federation · Western Australian Disabilities Commission
5 November 1924 – 23 September 1925
A three-member commission that inquired into the effect of federation on the finances and economy of Western Australia and recommended special Commonwealth assistance to the State.
How it came into existence
Appointed by Letters Patent dated 5 November 1924 by the Bruce government, in response to long-standing Western Australian complaints that federation, the tariff and the Navigation Act had harmed the State. The commissioners were Mr Higgs (chairman), Mr Entwistle and Mr Mills.
How it ended
Its report was presented to the Governor-General in September 1925, transmitted to the Prime Minister on 14 September and laid before Parliament on 23 September 1925, ending the commission. The majority recommended a special payment of £450,000 a year until the State could levy its own customs and excise duties, and the minority a grant of £300,000 a year for ten years; in 1926 Parliament granted Western Australia £450,000 for one year. The Parliamentary Handbook gives 23 September 1925 as the date the final report was presented.
Main functions
- Effect of federation on the finances of Western Australia
- Effect of the tariff and Commonwealth policies on the State's economy
- Remedies, including special grants
Lineage
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Sources
Primary sources
Government records and websites
- Parliamentary Handbook: Royal Commissions (dates of Letters Patent and final reports)
- Final report (ParlInfo)
- Historic Hansard: House of Representatives, 16 September 1925 (report received from the Governor-General)
- Historic Hansard: House of Representatives, 20 January 1926 (debate on the majority and minority reports)
Other sources
Some dates or links for this organisation are not fully confirmed. Corrections are welcome.